Nag Ashwin clarifies that "Kalki 2898 AD" won't be a franchise like Star Wars: It's a standalone film
Director Nag Ashwin unveiled intriguing details about his upcoming cinematic venture, “Kalki 2898 AD,” featuring Prabhas, during an event held at IIT Bombay, adding an extra layer of anticipation to one of Prabhas’ highly awaited projects.
The film’s narrative has been shrouded in secrecy, but Nag Ashwin provided glimpses into the project at the IIT Bombay event. Amidst the highlights was a spontaneous phone call to Prabhas at the request of a fan. Here are some key insights he shared during the discussion.
Setting the Record Straight: ‘Kalki is not Star Wars’ A curious student drew parallels between “Kalki 2898 AD” and the iconic Star Wars franchise, questioning whether the film aimed to become India’s version of Star Wars with an entire universe built around it. Nag Ashwin clarified that “Kalki” is unique and stands alone, asserting, “I don’t think so…this will be India’s K. It’s India’s Project K, India’s Kalki. It’s one film, and I think that’s enough.” Despite this, he hinted at the possibility of a sequel, acknowledging a fan’s theory.
Innovative Weaponry: ‘We Custom-Built the Weapons’ Following the release of the teaser, the film’s weapons became a focal point of discussion. Some praised the filmmakers’ creativity, while others suggested improvements. Nag Ashwin explained the challenges faced during their creation, emphasizing the absence of reference points. “We did not have a reference point, so it was all about trial and error for us when it came to all the props,” he revealed. The director also highlighted the team’s commitment to building the weapons from scratch, avoiding the use of recycled props. Addressing feedback, he assured that the weapons would look more impressive in the final film.
The Mythological Connection: ‘The Final Avatar’ Despite its futuristic setting, “Kalki 2898 AD” surprisingly intertwines with mythology. Nag Ashwin revealed the choice of the name “Kalki,” citing it as the final avatar of Vishnu. He explained, “Kalki is the final avatar of Vishnu. Despite being set in the future, the film has a connection to the past that will be revealed in the film. We thought this would be an apt name.”
Star-Studded Cast and Filming Progress In addition to Prabhas, the film features Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani in lead roles. The film is currently in production, with its release scheduled for the upcoming year, promising a unique blend of science fiction and mythological elements.
Kalki 2898 AD is ready for screening and will be in theatres on 12th January 2024. It will be a feast for eyes.